Denmark endorses the Safe School Declaration on protection schools during conflicts

03.05.2017 11:15

“It is crucial for Denmark that children and young people can get an education, also in situations of conflict. Consequently, we have endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration today, which 64 states have now done. It is an important initiative.

For children and young people to get an education is often something that Danish soldiers work towards, when posted abroad. Our endorsement is a continuation of this. It is decisive for Denmark to comply with international humanitarian law, which is already evident in our Military Manual. Our endorsement today, places political focus on education during conflicts, but will not change the way Danish soldiers already operate in conflict situations”, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anders Samuelsen, states.

Background
The Safe Schools Declaration is an intergovernmental political commitment that states have been able to endorse since 2015, and which emphasises the need for protection of schools and universities during times of armed conflict.

A number of international conventions already seek to protect children against the consequences of armed conflict and with the endorsement of the Declaration, Denmark – together with 63 other countries, including the remaining Nordic counties and other close allies – sends a clear political signal about the importance of observing these rules.